It Ain’t the Parts

“It ain’t the parts of the Bible that I can’t understand that bother me, it’s the parts that I do understand.”(Mark Twain)

The secret of effective Bible study is asking the right questions. The ultimate goal is application (not just interpretation). Below are several Bible study methods.

Topical Bible Study - Individuals should take up various topics (one by one) and search the Bible for what it has to say on it. Collect and compare all the verses you can find on a particular subject. Select a biblical subject and trace it through a single book. It is important to know all that God has to say on any topic. The topical method of Bible study is simplest, most fascinating, and yields the greatest immediate results.

“God picked a junior high girl [to be Jesus' mother]. Jesus was raised by a woman who today we wouldn't even let her lead a Bible study at a high school. But she could raise God.” (Mark Driscoll)
The Chapter Summary Method - Read a chapter of a Bible book, and then write down a summary of the central thoughts. Make a list of the most important people. Why are they included? Choose a verse which speaks to you personally. Why does God want this passage in the Bible?
“Bible study without Bible experience is pointless.” (Bill Johnson)

The Book Survey Method - Survey an entire book of the Bible by reading it through several times to get a general overview of its contents. Study the background of the book and make notes on its history, geography, culture, science, people, and events. Use Bible reference books to increase your understanding of the Word.

“A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.” (Charles H. Spurgeon)

The Verse-by-Verse Analysis Method - Select one passage of scripture, and examine it in detail. Write out a personal paraphrase, list some questions and observations, find cross-references, record any insights, and write down a brief personal application for each verse.

“Reading the Bible will help you get to know the word, but it’s when you put it down and live your life that you get to know the author.” (Steve Maraboli)

The Thematic Method - Select a Bible theme to study. Then think of three to five questions you'd like to have answered about that theme. Study all the references you can find on your theme, and record the answers to your questions.

“The holy scriptures are our letters from home.”(Augustine of Hippo)

The Word Study Method - Study the important words of the Bible. Find out how many times a word occurs in scripture, and how it is used. Compare translations to find out the original meaning of the word. Check the word's occurrences, and find the root meaning.

“Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for all the problems men face.” (Ronald Reagan)

The Character Analysis Method - Select a Bible character and research all the verses about that person in order to study his (or her) life and characteristics. Make notes on his (or her) attitudes, strengths, and weaknesses, and how biblical truths are illustrated in his (or her) life. See how that person thinks, feels, and responds to circumstances around them. What character quality you would like to work on yourself? Select that situation to work on, and memorize a verse that speaks to you.

“Nothing less than [the] whole Bible can make a whole Christian.” (Aiden Wilson Tozer)

The Devotional Method - Select a short passage of Scripture and meditate on it. Visualize the narrative. Put yourself into the biblical situation as an active participant. Rephrase the passage in your own words to personalize it. Write out an application that is personal, practical, and possible.[i]

“There's an old saying that nothing good happens fast. I don't know if that's altogether true, but it does have some bearing on Bible study.” (Howard G. Hendricks)

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[i] Adapted from “Bible Study Methods and Applications” by Rick Sheridan